STAR Capital Partners (“STAR”), the European investment fund focused on investing in capital intensive businesses, announces the completion on 30th December 2005 of two new deals in Germany: Abellio GmbH and GSES GmbH.

STAR has acquired 75.2% of Abellio GmbH, the Essen-based public transport operator, from Abellio Beteilegungs GmbH (“ABG”) (wholly-owned by the City of Essen). ABG will continue to hold a minority stake in the business. Abellio is a leading operator of local transport services in Germany and during 2005 secured key rail and bus businesses in North Rhein Westfalia, Saxony, Lower Saxony and Saxony Anhalt. Abellio has interests in transport operations covering over 17 million kilometers per annum.

The Company is led by Wolfgang Meyer (CEO) and Iain Lanaghan (CFO), formerly Group Finance Director of FirstGroup plc in the UK. Giles Fearnley (former Chief Executive of Prism Rail plc) will join the Board alongside STAR representatives.

“This is our first joint venture with the public sector and we are thrilled to invest in this exciting opportunity. We look forward to supporting Abellio and its highly experienced management to develop the business into Germany’s leading independent public transport operator.”

Graham Lee

Investment Director of STAR

“We welcome the support of STAR and believe that the partnership will enable Abellio to take full advantage of the significant opportunities in this growing market and to provide attractive solutions for public transport authorities.”

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STAR Capital Partnership LLP

STAR Capital Partnership LLP is a limited liability partnership incorporated in England (number OC402487) and its registered office is 15th Floor, 33 Cavendish Square, London W1G 0PW. STAR Capital Partnership LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (with reference number 752696) and is a member of the BVCA. Use of this website is subject to the terms and conditions which are accessed by clicking below. Please read these carefully. By proceeding, you are deemed to have accepted the terms and conditions governing the use of this website.